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“There have been times the last couple of years where I felt that no one could get me out,” Blanks said. “But you can't really feel that way up here because the pitchers have weapons like I've never seen before.

“But I'm definitely feeling that I'm gaining on it.”

Meantime, the Padres are gaining on nothing.

Last night was San Diego's fifth straight loss and 17th loss in 20 games this month. Philadelphia, meantime, was winning for the 11th time in 12 games and running their major league-leading record for July to 15-4.

The Phillies have beaten the Padres five straight times after losing their first two games to San Diego on April 17-18. That second win marked the high-water mark of the Padres' season at 9-3.